From: The Pennsylvania Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers and Multidisciplinary TeamsDate: August 16, 2018Subject: The Response to Child Abuse

With the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report concerning the abuse of children in six Pennsylvania Catholic Dioceses on Tuesday, we believe that it is vitally important to provide information to help victims of child abuse and their families. We offer the following information to all victims of child abuse – not just those covered by the Grand Jury Report:

If you or someone you know is currently being abused call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 to report the abuse.

If the child victim of abuse is in immediate danger, call 911 for help.

If you are a victim of abuse by a member of the clergy, the Attorney General has established a special hotline: 888-538-8541.

If you are a victim of abuse and do not know where to turn for help in dealing with the effects of abuse, contact your local Child Advocacy Center to be directed to the resources in your area.

Remember, although the current news is focused on abuse perpetrated by members of the clergy, abuse can happen anywhere by anyone. There is no profile or demographic that identifies a potential abuser. We all need to help insure the safety of our children. Some people are mandatory reporters of child abuse but ANYONE can make a report to ChildLine if they know or suspect that a child is being abused.

The Pennsylvania Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers and Multidisciplinary Teams provides technical support to children’s advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams throughout the state. The Chapter works diligently with member organizations throughout the Commonwealth to ensure that the cultural changes are in place to bring the secrets of abuse to light. The Chapter will continue to work with the programs around the state as well as our partner’s to educate communities and organizations on the signs and symptoms of child abuse.

The Chapter urges communities to become educated on the topic of child abuse. Reach out to your local child advocacy center to learn more about resources in your area. To find the Child Advocacy Center near you visit the PA Chapter’s website at www.penncac.org

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YOU can be One With Courage simply by pushing the discomfort and fear that surrounds the ability to talk about child abuse aside to talk openly about it, to start a dialogue about it, and to combat the secrecy that enables child abuse. Learn how YOU can be One With Courage and take action!